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Questions tagged [basil]

33 questions
22
votes
7 answers

What's a good substitute for basil in pesto sauce?

I'm making some pasta at home with a pesto sauce. The recipe I'm referring to asks for some basil leaves to go along with the pine nuts in the food processor. Unfortunately, I can't find basil where I live, and I'm looking for a something else to…
Yejus
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20
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14 answers

What uses are there for basil flowers?

I have tons of basil in my herb spiral. However, this stuff is precious, and I always feel bad when I throw away the basil flowers when I make pesto sauce. Is there a way to use the basil flowers when cooking?
HerbSpiral
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18
votes
9 answers

Fresh basil storage

How should fresh basil be stored? The packaging suggests that the optimal temperature is around 50°F, but I can't think of anywhere in an average kitchen at that temperature. A pantry is too warm, and a fridge is too cold. So which of the two is…
Tesserex
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18
votes
7 answers

When to add fresh basil to homemade pizza

I've made pizza from scratch (dough and sauce) a few times, turns out great. I want to try fresh basil on it. Current recipe: Oven, 425° F: blind bake crust 10 minutes, add tomato sauce & fresh mozzarella, cook another 10 minutes. When would be…
Mark Stewart
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15
votes
7 answers

When basil gets brown spots, is it still usable?

When I store basil in the fridge, sometimes it gets brown spots. Is it still usable? Is that valid also for Thai basil? Throwing it all away after 2-3 days seems such a waste. Also, how can I prevent this from happening?
Jenn
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11
votes
3 answers

Dried basil leaves instead of bay leaves

I have to make an Indian curry which requires bay leaves. Apparently I don't have them at home. I read on google here that dried Basil leaves can be a good substitute for bay leaves. Now dried bay leaves, which we use in curries and soups have a…
Ojasvi
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10
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3 answers

What part to use from fresh Basil leaves?

I was wondering what am I supposed to cut from basil leaves, do I only use the “blade” until the petiole or I should cut that too? I know some things must be chopped in the right places because it may add sourness. Also, can they be boiled or they…
Martin Marconcini
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10
votes
3 answers

When to add fresh basil to a tomato sauce?

Is it better to add fresh basil to a tomato sauce and then let it cook for say, 10 mins, or wait till the end and add just before serving?
user1085
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9
votes
13 answers

How do I neutralize a strong garlic flavor?

I recently made some pesto from scratch and my end result, while delicious, was overpowered by a strong garlic flavor, and not entirely in a good way. I'm talking about that sharp, spicy flavor that garlic sometimes imparts. I would have added more…
rageear
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8
votes
2 answers

To achieve maximum flavour is it better to cut or tear basil leaves?

When I add basil to a dish should I tear or cut basil leaves? Does it matter?
dibs
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8
votes
5 answers

Basil - to wash or not to wash? Best practices?

I know that washing basil weakens it's flavor significantly. I often buy it from local supermarkets where everyone can touch it, that's why I just have to wash it. But even when I buy organic basil, I still feel the urge to wash it. How do you deal…
Sven
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8
votes
7 answers

Does pesto go bad?

I have some basil pesto but I'm not sure how long its fridge life is. It is in a sealed container. How long does it last before it is not safe to eat anymore?
Mark Theunissen
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7
votes
4 answers

How to reduce bitterness of Basil?

I had some fresh Basil which was going dry, so I decided to make it into a sour cream dip (don't ask me why I didn't think of making a simple pesto before I added the sour cream).. The final product (sour cream, basil, salt and pepper) which I then…
notthetup
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7
votes
4 answers

Is there an organic preservative that I can add to homemade pesto to extend its refrigerated shelf-life?

I have a very large basil crop this year for which I am extremely excited. In addition to drying and putting that up for myself over the winter, I want to put up pesto for me. I especially want to ship some to my sister and a friend, both of whom…
Michael
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6
votes
2 answers

I lose the flavor of basil when I make pesto sauce

Okay, I am writing this question as a result of a long experience in trying to make pesto at home :p I like pesto sauce alot and that is why I have decided that I should make this at home. But for some reason when I make the pesto sauce I almost…
Sina
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